Grinding

Client Type: Consulting engineer and rail operator

Objective

To determine if the use of high speed grinding technology could prevent low adhesion during the leaf fall season.

Approach

Corus undertook controlled and comparitive tests using several methods of clearing impacted contaminant from rails.  These methods included use of a high speed grinder developed by Stahlberg Roensch.    Environmental contaminant - designed to simulate leaf fall - was developed by the consulting engineer and used in the tests.  The testing programme aimed to show if the use of a high speed grinder at regular intervals across a rail network could remove impacted leaf fall products and reduce friction levels.

Method

Corus conducted tests at a trial site in the UK.  The testing regime involved:

• Controlled use of a locomotive to compact contaminant placed on the rail. 
• Deployment of various methods – including use of the high speed grinder - for removing the contaminant.
• Conduct of several tests to determine the effectiveness of the contaminant removal measures.  The tests involved driving a locomotive over the site and measuring the braking distance required to come to a complete halt from a set speed.  Deceleration of the locomotive was measured using an accelerometer.  The effective electrical shunt over the site was also determined.

• Use of a multpurpose vehicle (MPV) to clean the rails between each set of trials.

Deliverables

Corus delivered a report detailing the findings of the trials.  The report showed that use of the high speed grinder in removing contaminant enabled deceleration rates and electrical shunt across track circuits to be restored to almost their normal levels.  Deceleration rates were improved from 53% for contaminated rail to 97% following rail cleaning by the high speed grinder.  The electrical shunt was returned to 89% from 22% on contaminated rail.